Archive for September 2009


How to purchase a bike with a mechanics lein?

September 30th, 2009 — 07:49 pm
bike
flattrack75081 asked:


I live in Dallas County and have the opportunity to pick up a bike for the price of repair bill. Bike has been at dealers for 2 years.

What legal steps are required?

The dealership has no idea where the owner is and no current info.

The last thing I want is to make a hopped up sled only to get it impounded if I get stopped or never be able to get a clear title.

Please advise ye bikers who have delt with the gray haired women at the DMV.

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2 comments » | Motorcycles

Whats a good BMX bike to get to start BMXing?

September 30th, 2009 — 12:17 pm
bike
Jordan T asked:


Im planning to start doing freestyle street and park BMXing but i’ve been wondering what kind of bike would be good for me to get. My price range is anything as high as 350$ or lower but im looking for a decent bike that suites what ill be doing with it. Im also 16 years old, 5′10, and 130lbs if that matters any. Thanks!

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4 comments » | Cycling

Mountain Bike Vacations – Some Great American Trails

September 29th, 2009 — 02:01 am

A mountain bike vacation is a terrific way to enjoy the wonders of nature as well as getting some healthy exercise in the open air. There are fantastic mountain bike trails everywhere in the world, however in this article we will look at the most popular ones in the United States. For those who are athletic and fit, mountain bike vacations are a fantastic way to to enjoy the company of friends as well as making new ones along the way. You may stay overnight in a variety of rooms, hotels or hostels depending on which you prefer and budget. You will definitely make some wonderful memories.

Where are the Best Mountain Bike Trails?

Mountain bike trails can be found everywhere so there will almost certainly be several that are suitable whichever state you live in. This includes trails in the mountains but can also include other pleasant locations. For the adventurous or individuals skilled at mountain biking there are plenty of exhilarating, attractive and often rougher routes to follow.

Mountain bike riding tracks are discovered all over America, no matter where you live. Excellent mountain biking trails aren’t just found at high elevations. In reality, just about all trails that are scenic and rough can give serious exercise and adventure for even experienced mountain bikers. However, because of the type of terrain, the finest mountain routes are located in the Southwest and the Pacific Northwest as well as in the South East around North Carolina. There are some excellent areas for biking in the Pacific NorthWest which include Black Diamond, the Coal Mine trails in Washington, American River Bike Path, Northern California and Deschutes River Trail in Oregon. A tough trail in Arizona, the National Trail, is suitable for those who are fit and very experienced as is Moab’s Slick Rock Trail in Utah which is a famous twelve mile ride.

Western states are evidently superior for trails with a higher elevation although the Southwestern locations are increasingly becoming more popular with riders as they have a good record for first-rate accommodation. Several highly regarded rides in this area in the US include Blankets Creek Bicycle Trail, Woodstock Georgia, the Colorado Trail Breckenridge and Bent Creek, Asheville North Carolina.Even though it is very rewarding to finish these tracks the aim is to have a great time as well as getting some vigorous exercise but don’t do too much, you do not have to complete all the ride if it’s too hard.

A famous mountain trail we ought to bring up is the world’s longest mountain bike trail. This is the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route which is more than two thousand miles long from Canada to Mexico. Where it passes through the mountainous areas of New Mexico, Idaho, Colorado and Wyoming it is a tough trail, as some parts have sharp ascents and descents.

Conclusion

If you are healthy and athletic there is no better way than a mountain bike vacation to get pleasure from all that nature has to offer and get plenty of excellent exercise out of doors. These wonderful vacations won’t cost you very much and will more than likely give you a real adventure without breaking your budget

For lots more information and good deals on bikes please visit us at Cheap Bikes for Sale

Comment » | Cycling

Different Types of Mountain Bike Suspension Forks On The Market

September 29th, 2009 — 02:01 am

Cross Country (XC) Suspension Forks

Lightweight and short travel, XC mtb forks are usually single crown thanks to the mild terrain and to save weight so not to make the bike too heavy to rise.

Historically, XC forks will have been spring loaded however the trend is now moving towards air sprung suspension.

The obvious benefits of such a change of keeping the weight of the fork small and making them easy to adjust this.

Downhill (DH) Suspension Forks

Have you observed the insanity that may be downhill mountain biking?  Massive drops, giant opening jumps and terrible terrain over a short prtiod of time.  Downhill forks can have massive amounts of travel ( ten inches isn’t unhead of ) to allow for the strain a DH bike is put under.

Downhill forks are typically coil spring to take on large hits but are also double crowns ; this is where there are 2 legs of the fork close to the top where the fork joins the handle bar.  Double crown forks offer double the suspension of single crown forks.

Dirt Jump (DJ) Suspension Forks

Gigantic airs, massive jumps and big tricks need forks which can take some punishment forks not designed for this reason are liable to be damaged, or worse break, causing major injury to a rider.

A dirt jump ( DJ ) bike will sometimes be a hardtail and front suspension, though some riders do still prefer stiff forks.  Suspension forks will have tiny travel of 80-100mm and are normally coil sprung as well as being much heavier because of the increased strength than those designed for other trail bicycle disciplines.

Rigid Forks

Though suspension forks are more and more a typical sight on mountain bikes they are by no means the only option left.

For the die hards, people who do not wish to invest in dear suspension or those who prefer something lower maintenance there are still a number of quality stiff forks available on the market.

extremely popular in the dirt jump and street MTB scenes as well as singletrack, stiff Forks supply a viable and regularly more cost effective alternative to suspension.

1 comment » | Cycling

What kind of sport motorcycle is the best quality for $5000 or under?

September 28th, 2009 — 03:16 pm
RedRaiderAshley asked:


I am looking for a used bike for college with good gas mileage and looks sporty. I don’t have my motorcycle license yet, so a beginner type bike would be nice as well. Any suggestions?

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6 comments » | Motorcycles

What is the best bike/your favorite bike for riding around the city?

September 28th, 2009 — 08:36 am
bike
etienne asked:


I live in London and I want to buy a nice bicycle for riding around the city, to the gym, etc. What is a good brand/type of bike to buy? What features should I look for? And does anyone have any good anti-theft ideas?

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3 comments » | Cycling

What will clean my motorcycle windshield?

September 27th, 2009 — 01:27 pm
mary s asked:


I have an older motorcycle windshield that was left out in the weather then it glazed over. Is there any cleaning stuff that will make it clear again. I really like this windshield. want to keep it.

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11 comments » | Motorcycles

Are Bank Repo Cars Good Or Bad?

September 26th, 2009 — 11:47 pm
Joshua Rose asked:


Like many things in life, repossessed cars come in all forms … the good, the bad and the ugly. What? There are actually nice repos in good condition?

Of course there are. True, there are many to be avoided as well. In fact, many people are frightened off from purchasing a repo because of the long standing public perception that all these vehicles are “beat-up clunkers”. But the fact remains that there are many “almost new” cars available that have also been repossessed.

It’s simply in the law of numbers. For whatever unfortunate reason, a certain percentage of car buyers will be unable to make their payments soon after purchase.

How do I know this? Well, our company has bought and then resold literally hundreds of vehicles that had been taken back by their lenders. We once purchased a repo with less than 400 miles on it … and have purchased many, many more with less than 5,000 miles. Every one of them had an absolutely clean CarFax Report and were under full Factory Warranty. But the prices we paid were fairly extraordinary.

Why the bargains? First of all, the car value depreciation factor is eliminated. A new car usually depreciates by somewhere in the range of 20% as soon as it’s driven off the lot. So, this is immediately deducted from the price. But more importantly, lenders such as banks and credit unions are not in the car selling business. They want a quick sale to reduce their loan loss (the original car buyer is still responsible for the difference). This typically leads to pricing that is difficult to match anywhere else. But don’t expect to pay $100 as is so often hyped on the internet. Excellent, money-saving buys in the thousands of dollars? Yes. Nearly free? Just plain silly.

The problem with saving thousands for consumers, however, is actually locating these vehicles. Vehicles that have been taken back by a car Dealership are simply resold on a lot at normal secondhand prices. But cars that have been financed by local banks and credit unions present the best opportunities. Again, they are not in the business of selling cars. And in many jurisdictions, there are legal obstacles to their reselling cars because of licensing and zoning issues.

Many of these lenders use outside companies that specialize in reselling these cars at car auctions. And because they are often sold well below their trade-in values, this is where the real money-saving opportunity lies.

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Comment » | Automotive

What are some different ways for cars to run, other than gasoline?

September 25th, 2009 — 10:04 am
jamie68117 asked:


What are some different ways that cars can run without gasoline? I know I’ve heard people talk about making cars run out of something made out of corn, and I’ve heard of solar-powered cars.

What other methods are engineers exploring to help conserve oil?

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7 comments » | Alternative Fuel Vehicles

How can I find distributors for my motorcycle art prints?

September 25th, 2009 — 02:44 am
craftsdesigner1 asked:


I am an artist, my passion is to paint! However I am not a great salesperson. I am looking for some distributors to sell my art prints. The subject of my art prints are motorcycle related. I have donated several to different organizations in my area and they have made fantastic money. I would love to find individuals or even motorcycle groups that would be interested in selling my prints. Christmas is coming and these make great gifts. My art prints can be viewed on Ebay – username (thecraftypalm). I am ready for answers, insights, suggestions and $ALE$. Thanks!

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2 comments » | Drawing Illustration

Boat Seat Choices For Leisure Watercraft

September 24th, 2009 — 12:07 pm
Frank Gehry asked:


There are a lot of different models of boat seats, and knowing their dissimilarities and possible uses will allow you to make an informed decision and to buy the one that suits you and your boat best.

Lounge seats and their variations are used on most kinds of pleasure craft such as motor yachts, and are less common on smaller fishing bats and skiffs. They can be found either inside the boat, or around the outside cockpit on bigger boats. Most have cushioned seats, fiberglass or plastic frames, and several have dry storage space underneath.

They come in many different sizes depending on the boat layout and plan, and are usually fixedly mounted into the boat. If they are intended for outside use and are not inside a cabin, they are usually UV treated to provide for mildew resistance.

One kind of pretty common lounge boat seat is the back-to-back seat, which is comprised of two boat seats that are attached together at their backrests. These are quite common on boats carrying a lot of passengers such as ferries, but also on leisure fishing pontoons for instance. They are often integrated with tables, with multiple back-to-back seat rows being alternated with tables.

Benches are also popular as seats on many boats, and especially so on smaller ones. You will find benches as main seating on vessels such as dinghies and rowboats, but they are also common on other watercraft, often mounted onto the boat’s sides.

It’s quite common for these bench boat seats to be collapsible, or also completely removable. In this way, they are often employed to add passenger seating in a pinch, and folded down or put away when not in use so that circulation of passengers is made easier.

A leaning post is also considered a boat seat – most have a little round bench to sit on it, but their main use is to offer standing passengers something to hang on to when needed.

Leaning posts have two main uses. One is on center cockpit boats, to ensure that the people on the boat have something to hang on. The other is for fishing boats specialized for line fishing, such as sports fishing boats. In these cases, the leaning posts are usually fitted with contraptions that hold several fishing rods.

Boat seat types are of different kinds, and the ideal one for you will depend a lot on the kind of use that you intend to put the seat through. Are you carrying passengers, do you need a high performance cockpit seat, or are you looking for custom vintage is seating?

Make sure to also compare different boat seat manufacturers to understand the difference in the boat seat models that they offer. These differences may seem small, but they could actually amount to a lot. You can check on the internet to compare boat seat types.

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Comment » | Uncategorized

What types of cars are the most desirable to collectors?

September 24th, 2009 — 06:20 am
Jim R asked:


This is a general question – not looking for specific models. Do collectors prefer convertibles or hard tops? Automatics or manual transmissions? If I bought a really cool car new and wanted to keep it for 20 years, what types are cars end up being the most valuable?

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5 comments » | Buying Selling

Does a dirtbike or motorcycle work after you have submerged it in water?

September 23rd, 2009 — 10:30 am
scshinji246 asked:


If you drive a dirtbike or motorcycle or even a car into a lake or pool and you pull it out and let it drip dry, will it work afterwards? Be specific on each vehicle in question please. If not what would you have to do in order to fix it?

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5 comments » | Motorcycles

How come used motorcycle prices are staying so high?

September 23rd, 2009 — 07:17 am
zero_eden_delmo asked:


I have noticed that the price for a used motorcycle is extremely high. I have even seen many USED sport bikes selling ABOVE the MSRP. What is going on? Is it that they feel they should get their money back because they didn’t use it allot? Or is it that they only wanted it long enough to get the next newest bike and feel that they deserve their money back?
This is getting out of control. I will add more details if needed.

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9 comments » | Motorcycles

Boat Building Kits For the Amateur Builder

September 22nd, 2009 — 10:25 am
Arran James asked:


Boat building kits are ideal for the hobbyist builder looking to get into constructing their first boat. It’s often best to start out with a canoe, kayak or a small sailboat/rowboat in order to get familiar with the build process and materials.

A lot of the boat kits are designed in the ’stitch and glue’ or ‘tack and tape’ build method that uses sheet plywood and epoxy resin. These are the simplest and cheapest to construct. The pre-cut plywood and epoxy-fiberglass kits often contain all the materials necessary to construct and completely finish the boat.

The stitch and glue method is a process of using pre-cut marine ply panels to a precise size, which are stitched or clamped together with the help of wire sutures or cable tires. The panels are than glued (epoxied) to bond and seal all parts and later coated with a fiberglass tape.

It’s always a wise investment to purchase a detailed set of boat plans that come with step-by-step instructions and detailed drawings will all the dimensions. It is possible to assemble a boat out of a book or magazine article, but working from plans, is that much easier.

The construction time for these kits can range from 20 to 25 hours for a 12′ rowboat in ’stitch and glue’ method that requires no special woodworking skills or tools to 250 to 350 hours to fully construct a 22′ Bay boat including all the fairing and painting.

It’s not necessary to be a master woodworker to follow the plans contained in one of the boat building kits, but it can help to have some carpentry skills under the belt. Even so, if someone’s willing to put in the time and do some homework these kits are do-able by just about anyone.

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Comment » | Crafts Hobbies

When painting a boat what is required to be used?

September 22nd, 2009 — 01:04 am
confussed asked:


I’m planning on painting my old bass boat and I want to do it myself even if it’s just cheezy. I’m planning on doing my best in my garage. But I don’t know how to start, should I sand it down first buy primer and the paint or what? And at the end I want to use the clear protection like on cars; whats that called? And is i a good idea?

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4 comments » | Boats Boating

Bike Equipment Choices For Your Ironman Triathlon

September 18th, 2009 — 06:17 pm
Ray Fauteux asked:


Without a doubt the bike-equipment you choose can greatly influence the outcome of your first Ironman Triathlon.

However, don’t believe for a moment that the more expensive the bike, the easier and faster your bike split will be. The most important factor–and one that is often overlooked–is having the bike you choose sized just for you. Most bike outlets will supply this service. I just can’t stress how important this is. A proper fit means you will be getting full use of the proper muscle groups and will have a smooth, circular pedal stroke. Most importantly, it can make for a much more comfortable transition into the run.

Also, when you consider it, there’s not much point in spending thousands of dollars more for a bike because it is a pound or two lighter when you’re going to be packing five pounds of water and food on it for the race. For your first Ironman I would suggest a good reliable mid-priced bike. You can always upgrade if you choose to continue on with the sport in the following years.

Here’s something to think about. In 1984, on a brutally hot and windy day during the Kona Ironman, there were two cyclists under the 5 hour mark. Dave Scott was 5:11 and went on to run a 2:53 marathon and ultimately won the race. My point is, pretty well any mid-range priced bike you buy will be 10 times better than what these guys raced on that day. Think about it. Aerobars would have been HUGE that day. There was no such thing. Everyone had the old toe clips. The bikes were MUCH heavier. The tires were nowhere near as good as we can get now. There is just no comparison.

Ultimately your training and overall preparation—your athletic ability, and your courage are equally important ingredients to a successful Ironman bike ride.

Its about more than just the bike.

PROFILE BARS- I don’t believe they’ve invented an Ironman race yet that has no wind. Profile bars are a “must” to reduce wind resistance and conserve your energy for the upcoming marathon. If possible, try and have your shift levers mounted at the very front of your profile bars where your hands meet. That way you’re not sitting up or reaching down to shift gears. I have something called “swift shifters.” They are just perfect for the Ironman bike leg.

CYCLE COMPUTER-Some bike computers have way too many functions. All you need is cadence, speed, and an odometer to tell how far you’ve gone. That way you’re not forever pushing buttons to find the proper setting.

CLIPLESS PEDALS AND SHOES TO FIT-These were just a great invention. They are so easy to get in and out of and allow for a much smoother and more economical pedal stroke than the old clips we started out with. Its VERY important to have the tension set just right. You want to be able to get into them easily, yet not have your foot snap out at the worst possible time.(Like climbing a hill for instance). If you ski, its sort of the same idea as ski bindings. Just keep experimenting with it until you have to give your ankle a fairly quick, sharp twist for your shoe to come away from the pedal. That way you know its not set to loose. Also, make sure the bike has forward momentum when twisting out of the pedal. If you are almost stopped you could fall right over.

BOTTLE CAGES-Personally, I carry 4 water bottles. One inside the handlebars with a flexible plastic straw so I can drink without removing the bottle, one in the standard position on the frame, and a two bottle cage behind the seat. The water bottle on the frame and the two behind the seat were for my replacement drink…Gatorade etc. The bottle with the plastic straw was water. It has a top that snaps open, but stays attached and at aid stations I can just refill it with water if needed. When I wanted a replacement drink, I would take it from the bottle on the bike frame. When it was empty I would switch it with a full bottle from behind the seat. If I thought I would need more than three bottles of my replacement drink, I would leave one or two at the special needs station.

***If what you normally use for a replacement drink is being supplied on the race course, then you can do away with the two bottles behind your seat and just keep changing the bottle on the bike frame at the aid stations. Most of the time it was garorade or something else I didn’t use and I would just bring my own.

HELMET-You can’t race without one, so just find one that is comfortable, fits you well, and meets all safety standards. Remember, if its too loose, it will fall over your eyes when you lean forward into the profile position and that will drive you crazy. Also make sure it can be done up and undone easily.

SUNGLASSES-This is one piece of bike-equipment you MUST have for your Ironman training and racing. And I don’t really care if they cost $2.99 or $299. Just make sure you wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Say you’re going downhill at 40 mph. And the bee coming towards you is travelling 25 mph. when he hits your unprotected eye. That could be REALLY, REALLY SERIOUS!! Always wear sunglasses and a helmet. Sun or not!! I found that yellow tinted sunglasses are excellent for overcast days.

I can think of at least 8 or 10 times over the years that something has hit my sunglasses hard enough to do lots of damage if I my eyes were unprotected.

Hopefully these few tips will help you in your bike equipment choices.

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Comment » | Triathlon

Maintain Your Boat’s Acoustic Insulation

September 18th, 2009 — 03:57 am

Boating and sailing can be really fun. However, it can be very dangerous if the right precautions are not taken before jumping aboard. It is not always obvious to everyone the real dangers that boating can present to us. However, we should all be aware that accidents do happen and that boats can be fatal when not handled correctly. That’s where the office of boating safety comes in. The office of boating safety is the regulatory board that determines what it means to boat safely. It is the office that tells us we should wear life jackets, know how to ride a boat before driving one, and keeping boats in proper working order.

Every year there are accidents on and caused by boats, some of which are fatal. It is important that everyone in charge of handling a boat knows what they should and should not do. Inexperienced boaters are the biggest cause of accidents as they pose a danger to other sailors and swimmers around them. The boating office can determine whether you are skilled enough to ride a boat, and thus accidents can be reduced. This assurance is like a driving license for a boat. The office can grant you a certificate to say you can handle a boat.

You need to ensure that the boat you are using has been properly maintained and is safe to use. Regular or annual maintenance checks need to be done so that you are safe and comfortable whilst sailing. Often neglected is the acoustic insulation in boats, which can determine how smooth and enjoyable your sail is. The rooms below deck need insulating material, including the engine room so that these noises do not make sailing a loud and un-enjoyable experience. This needs to be kept in good order because if the integrity of your insulation is neglected, you may be at risk from fire and loud noise, making your boating experience less than enjoyable.

Comment » | Boats Boating

What Cycling Gear to Buy

September 18th, 2009 — 03:57 am

Whether or not you are just getting interested by the game of cycling or have been a keen cycle rider for some time it is vital that you are supplied with the proper cycling clothing.  Cycling clothing won’t only help by keeping you safe and comfy during your bicycle ride but as well keep you looking trendy and at the head of your game.  When it comes to cycling clothing, there are some pieces especially which are thought to be as the basics and which any bike rider, noob to complicated, should have in their wardrobe.  At first you may be discouraged as you might be worried by the proven fact that you aren’t in a position to afford the custom cycling jerseys and pro gear that some riders can, but you have got to know this isn’t going to have any effect on your performance.  So long as you are selecting the correct pieces, you can find just as top spec cycling clothing apart from a less expensive cost.  Cycling jackets and cycling jerseys are actually one of the first things that you need to be purchasing. 

They may keep the sun from burning your arms when riding in the day and keep you warm during cooler weather.  You wish to try to discover a light-weight water-resistant jacket, and when you are out on the marketplace for your jacket you need to look for a cycling cap, bike leg warmers or perhaps some knee heaters to keep you on the trails even if the weather won’t be the nicest. 

Helmet Another piece of cycling clothing that’s vital is the helmet.  It is imperative that you wear a helmet when cycling, and you take a while to select the right one.  Remember that you only wish to buy helmets that are approved by the suitable authorities. 

You also wish to try on different helmets until you find one that fits your head comfortably.  It should not be too tight or too loose, and should touch the crown, sides, front and back of your head.  Also bear in mind that if at any point your helmet ever suffers any damage, the best concept is to just go out and purchase a new one instead of attempting to fix the one that you have.  Helmets are inexpensive enough this isn’t going to put you out much and it will make sure that you are safe and secure while cycling.  The worst mistake that some folk make is assuming that because cycling is a low impact sport that there isn’t any need to have the right cycling clothing and gear.  This is absolutely wrong, and you can suffer major harm if you aren’t wearing your helmet and other shielding gear.

Article by John Black

Comment » | Cycling

Are Police Impound Car Auctions Any Good

September 16th, 2009 — 08:50 am
Robert Darby asked:


There are not very many downsides to these type of car auctions as you are buying from a government agency you can rest assured that you will not be ripped of and if you are not entirely happy at the end of the day you have a place to go and complain. I’m very sure you will never need to do that but it’s good to know that it’s there if you need it. They will also have a very good selection of new and pre-loved cars.

Pros

When you thing of a police impound car auctions you think drug dealer’s cars and murder’s cars but that’s not the case. Most of the cars you will find at a police impound car auctions are a result of defaulting on loan payments and companies that have been involved in fraud and will result in the cars been new or near new and in very good condition. The prices are always very good as they re just trying to recover as much money as they can and really don’t care how much it is and have no use for the its self so they will take what ever they can get for it.

Cons

There are not too many disadvantages to buying from a police impound car auctions but it’s not all that great when it comes to the actual auction. You should expect they’re to be a lot of people there and one of the main disadvantages is that you will not get to drive any of the vehicles before you buy them. But you can be confident that they will be in very good working order and road worthy. As I said before if you do have any problems you will find that it’s very easy to get any help you need from the people you bought the car from.

What to Expect.

You will find that when you get to your first police impound car auctions there will be a lot of competition for most of the vehicles that are there. There will also be very experienced people bidding on some cars. There will be some professional there that work for car dealers but that just shows you just how cheap these car are and that if they experts come there to buy and then on sell cars then it must be a lot better to just cut out the middle man.

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Comment » | Automotive

What is the difference between a pit bike and a small dirt bike?

September 11th, 2009 — 03:32 am
bike
bmxican asked:


I have this 85 yamaha that I got about 5 years ago when I was a kid and was wondering if I could use it as a pit bike. It is like a 2005 and it is pretty small. (smaller than my friends 65 ktm) I notice a few obvious differences between my bike and the pit bikes I see. I was wondering if I could get some new parts or something and make it into a pit bike. I don’t know if this helps but Im about 5′4 110 pounds.

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4 comments » | Motorcycle Racing

Being Safe on a Sailboat

September 10th, 2009 — 11:56 pm

A few key safety aspects should be installed on a sailboat. On the sailboat, below deck, there should be fire alarms installed. It is equally as important to test this boat fire alarm once a month to make sure it is working adequately and properly. Sailors are left unknowingly vulnerable when the fire alarm batteries run out of juice, as they often do. The fire alarm which is purchased and installed should definitely be loud in pitch when going off. This will ensure that it will be loud enough to hear all around the boat.

To supplement the fire alarm, there should be a carbon monoxide detector installed as well. Poisoning by carbon monoxide happens annually to hundreds of people. The most deadly aspect of carbon monoxide is that it is odorless, and even those with a keen nose will miss its presence. There should be one installed in every sleeping area, galley, and confined space to maximize coverage and protection for the crew. Installing a carbon monoxide detector will provide early detection of the situation and prevent needless health injuries.

The boat interior should be well lit without a doubt. Utilize boat interior lighting which is cost beneficial. Chose from many types including attachable LED lights which can be on the ceiling or wall. To control the direction of the light, use a smaller halogen type lamp which can adjust direction. This latter type would be ideal for reading. It is also important of course to get a waterproof design. For smaller spaces and other situations, keep a powerful flashlight aboard. Some flashlights even come with built in FM radio.

Beyond safety within the sailboat, the exterior of the boat should also be well lit with boat exterior lighting. These lights are used also for navigational purposes. The best type will be the LED type, since they use half the energy and have a long life. The models and types of external lights which are selected are going to depend on the length of the boat. When it comes to selecting the exterior lights, the visibility should be at least two miles. On board for certain circumstances there should also be a floodlight on the sailboat.

If it is possible, having a generator would also be a good idea. Select a generator that is efficient and worthwhile. The long term benefits will make themselves known, even if this will cost a bit more. There needs to be specific features installed on a boat for safety purposes. It becomes very clear to those who actively go sailing that maintaining safety on a boat is just as important as maintaining the boat itself.

Comment » | Boats Boating

How to buy the perfect bike rack

September 10th, 2009 — 11:56 pm

Having a bike rack is an important thing to own if you’re going to get serious about biking. You can spend as much money on your bike as you want, if you can’t go out do different places around the country then you’re seriously hampering your experience.

You have to research what you want. How many bikes are you planning on carrying? There is nothing worse than having a bike rack large enough for just one and then you decide to take a friend with you. Not cool.

Secondly you’ll need to know what kind of bike rack best fits your style of car. Is it a hatchback? A saloon? A sports car? These things all need taking into consideration, so doing your research is key to getting a decent product. Bike racks can be a complete nightmare if you don’t do you research, as the person at the link found out…

Buying cheap is a false economy. If it’s £40 cheaper than other styles, is it worth buying if it doesn’t do it’s job? No it aint. It’s for this reason that the strap on (so to speak) is probably out of the question. If you’ve got a tow bar, try to get your hands on a bike rack which fits the tow bar, they fit to your car better and you don’t risk scratching your paintwork. As well as this they’re also much easier to remove without fearing you’ll rip your car to shreds every time.

So, the top tips are, find out how many bikes you need to carry, figure out which rack fits best to your style of vehicle, and where possible purchase a tow bar bike rack. Of course if you’re a total bad ass you could opt for one of these. Let us know how that goes…

Comment » | Cycling

Apparel to have for Sailing

September 10th, 2009 — 11:56 pm

All sailors know that it is absolutely essential to be prepared for all situations, and most importantly the apparel sailors wear are going to depend on the weather. When sailing it is vital to pay attention to the weather as it will dictate apparel decisions. On shore, the weather might be warm and sunny, but out on the water it could very well be chilly and breezy. Being equipped with many layers and especially the correct layers could also save a life if a sailor happens to go overboard and drift in frigid waters. 

In an instant the weather can change regardless of the sunny outlook ashore. Also the weather out on the water might be drastically different thus take a sailing jacket to protect from cool wind or even rain. Jackets by Harken are usually a sailor's jacket of preference. This is usually due to its light weight which increases mobility, breathable fabric, and its premiere quality. A Gill jacket or vest is an excellent alternative. Any sailing jacket which is purchased should have a neoprene waistband and sleeve so that the wearer remains dry and can still breathe. 

Compliment the sailing jacket with sailing shorts and sailing rashguards. Columbia Sportswear and Gill are brand options for boat shorts. To lessen the effect of hard decks aboard the sailboat, there are shorts which are padded. Usually a built in SPF protection of 35+ is done in sailing shorts. Sailing rashguards will protect against chafing as a result of wearing personal flotation devices, or harnesses. The sailing rashguards are made of spandex and usually also have built in UV protection ranging up to 50+ UVP. Both Harken and Ronstan are excellent choices for sailing rashguards. Sailors can choose between a short sleeve and long sleeve sailing rashguards. A thumb hole is built into long sleeve rashguards so that it is kept in place while sailors move about. 

The whole body will be protected and insulated with a wetsuit designed for sailing. A great selection of sailing wetsuits is available from Ronstant, all made with the latest neoprene technology. Neoprene allows the body to breathe, while providing thermal insulation and even buoyancy. The stretchable fabric of the wetsuit contours to the sailor's body. The knees of the wetsuits are reinforced for durability and protection. There is no decrease in mobility with these wetsuits as they are designed for sailors specifically. There is a choice between a full body sailing wetsuit or half-body sailing wetsuit depending on the situation and need.

A sailor will need the correct sailing apparel to protect the body when sailing on the water. Half the battle is being prepared for the weather changed which can happen in a brief instant. Be ready to adapt to any variations encountered, and help make it easier to sail by wearing the right sailing apparel for all weather conditions. As much as the spray will allow while sailing, sailors can stay as dry as possible with the best foul weather gear and sailing apparel.

Comment » | Boats Boating

Deciding On Which Cycling Mountain Bike To Choose Need Not Be Too Difficult

September 10th, 2009 — 11:56 pm

New and improved models of the cycling mountain bike are continuously being offered by bike manufacturers, who are vying to outdo one another to be the ones offering improved features and better cycling bikes. This means that even an experienced mountain biker will find it rather confusing to identify which among so many different makes and models is the best. The good news is that there are numerous mountain bikers that are swarming the World Wide Web and. In addition, there are numerous magazines devoted only to dealing and talking about the cycling mountain bike.

Spoiled For Choice

Whether you read a magazine or go online to find information about the cycling mountain bike, you will be spoiled for choice and much of the information being made available to interested people comes straight from the hearts and minds and of course mouths of seasoned mountain bikers. You can discover how the various bike models respond in outdoor conditions from user feeback, as well as differences and prices.

If you also read a cycling mountain bike review, you will find out much useful information including description of the bikes, their parts, as well as detailed analyses of the different bike features. This will give you the knowledge to find the best cycling bike for you. What’s more, the newer models have been test ridden by expert mountain bikers and the results of the tests can prove to be very informative and helpful to everyone that is interested in the cycling mountain bike.

The best part about reading a cycling mountain bike review is that they will compare different models and provide useful ratings to help you understand the differences and good and bad points of each bike being compared. This information can prove to be especially helpful to anyone planning on buying a cycling mountain bike.

Visiting forums that discuss cycling, specifically equipment such as mountain bikes, is recommended because you can read reviews and opinions from those who are knoweldgeable about cycling. As a result, not only can you continue to develop an interest in cycling mountain bikes, but also find other likeminded individuals who share your interest in cycling.

The indoor cycling bike is available in numerous colors as well as styles which mean that you will have your hands full trying to decide which particular make and model will suit you the best. Reading a review can prove to be a step in the right direction as you will find out from the experts what to look for and where to buy the right kind of such cycling bike.

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